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Friday, November 4, 2011

Friday Open Thread: Ombre Lace, Reality TV, and more!

Happy Friday, readers! We haven't done an open thread in a while, have we? I always love the conversation that comes out of these posts, so let's do this.

Suggested topics include (but are in no means limited to):

Portable crafting projects. I have a post on the STC Craft blog this week sharing the results of my Alabama Chanin ribbon embroidery (pictured below, isn't it purty?). I'm hooked! I love having a project I can take with me on my commutes into Manhattan. I also sometimes like to knit on plane trips. How about you, readers? Do you have a favorite portable project?

What's in your sewing machine? Tell us what you're making this weekend. I'm finishing up my VoNBBS raglan sleeve coat--the perfect thing for New York fall days.

Fabric dyeing. Do any of you dye your own textiles? If so, how did you get started? I bought some amazing ombre-dyed lace in Salt Lake City (see above) and it's rejuvenated my desire to try ombre dyeing. I'm usually the type who just jumps into a new technique, but this seems to overwhelming for some reason.

Project Runway, Season 9. Did you watch Season 9? What did you think of the results? I have to say, I think it was the most boring season yet. I couldn't even get worked up about the winner's shoddy workmanship. I will say this, though: damn, that girl is pretty.

Project Runway, Season 10. So now comes the time that Mood and other garment district haunts will be plastered with ads for auditions for the next season. Do any of you ever think about trying out? I always consider it, but then never do. (Reality TV sometimes seems so . . . icky.) Maybe this time I really will. It couldn't hurt to audition, right? We'll see.

101 comments:

OOh yay it's Friday :) I'm redoing a Colette Peony dress (i totally failed to get the fit right first time round) and I'm getting started on a second McCalls 2401 in a beautiful vintage silk from Liberty - hopefully I can wear it to a wedding in late November.

I'm working on Peony this weekend, too, and like Joanne I've seen that the fitting of the bodice demands a toile, or two, or three... Four simple darts, one unique body, how those things can make for a very mixed bag. It's a great dress, but it needs fitting.

I like the idea of a portable project. It's already November and I haven't dusted off my knitting needles since summer! But I did see a women knitting a beautiful lace scarf from Manhattan to Astoria the other day and I really wanted to chat with her about it but I also didn't want to distract her from her work so I sat in silence beside her reading my book. This weekend I'll pull something out to do my own train knitting next week.

I love to dye fabric. I mostly dye cotton with fiber reactive dyes, but I have also dyed silk and wool with these dyes. I got started by getting supplies and basic instructions from Dharma Trading Company. I have tried ombre dyeing once because I love the look. It is harder than it looks to get a perfectly graduated and even dye, but I still want to try again sometime. I found that is is easier on a lightweight fabric than on something thicker. This weekend I am hemming choir dresses and working on a quilt.

I dropped out of this season's PR about four episodes in and just read Tom&Lorenzo's recaps. And even then I got kind of bored because it was just -eh- uninspired? Nothing made me think "oooh, I want to make that" or "oooh, I want to try pairing up some prints" (I heart you, Mondo).

I have a sewaholic pattern I'm really excited to cut out and sew, but have told myself I HAVE to finish a partially done dress first. All I have left is the sleeves and the facings, but I can't seem to make myself sit down and finish it. No good reason why, it should be quite nice when done (I've made the pattern before and love it).

I generally read on the train. Just finished Moneyball, which was fantastically interesting. Now I want to know how they managed to make a book about baseball statistics into a good movie. I won't mind looking at Brad Pitt though.

Dammit, you're lucky to be allowed to bring knitting on a plane ! I tried, and it appears knitting needles are too pointy for some people here in France. strangely enough, pens aren't.Still working on a mid-1700s inspired coat without the matchign model.

Ditto Jannell's comment on difficulty of an even ombré dye and the weight of the fabric for dip dyeing. You might want to try the technique of painting the dye onto fabric because you could have more control over the application of the dye. I think Martha Stewart's website has ombré dip dyeing directions.

Dyeing is what got me back into sewing clothes. I love the process of transforming the cloth.

I love ribbon or regular hand embroidery and redwork for traveling when I get tired of reading. If you think it gets cutesy, try tone on tone looks. PR was ho-hum, and the fact that the 'cutie' who won doesn't know the first thing about construction sends a message that appears to be counter to this blog and so many more. You can be casual in the Carribean but if you're over 30 you really want your stuff to hold together!

I'm not doing any sewing at the moment, but I am getting itchy feet and I really want to do some! I'm just a bit stuck at the moment because I can't really afford any new material, so I'm going to have to make some things out of the material I already have. I just don't know what yet!! I'm doing some knitting though, which I have just done a post about on my blog. I've dyed fabric once for a college project to make a jumpsuit. I chose a really vibrant green which took ages to make up and get the right colour and it has left lots of blue and yellow dye marks on the garage floor, which my Dad isn't too happy about! You can't wash it sadly, I want to dye some more fabric but I want to be able to wash it. I think you are too good for Project Runway personally! XxxX http://thesecondhandrose.blogspot.com/

You would RULE Project Runway. You have at least as much charm as Anya (I say you have more!), you have a great personality and you know what - you can sew. And you are a great designer, your prize proves it. Go for it!

Aaah I'm glad to hear it's not just me that is having Peony fitting woes. My boyfriend is out of town this weekend, so it's a Peony for me, and an a-line skirt for my friend V, and some wine and chocolate and maybe S4 of Mad Men too.

It seems to me that Project Runway has gotten less catty than it used to be, so bringing a new level of class to it (with you, Gertie!) would improve it even more! I say go for it, if you can handle no sleep and wacky challenges...I just finished a Simplicity sundress with a vintage kitchen print. I pretty much only sew summer dresses since I live in Texas and we don't have much of a cold season!

Ok, so on dyeing fabrics I'm all for it! I like anything that adds a unique touch to a project! I have a fabric dyeing project on tap for November. Now as far as project runway, I'm glad you brought it up! I was bored all season as well! There was not one designer there that made anything that I would wear. As far as Anya winning, yes she is pretty and has a great personality but that is why she was a beauty queen. She had somerealguts to try out for the show with virtually no sewing experience! I daydream along every season thinking about what I would design if I were on the show. I even draw out a final collection in my sketchbook. I however am a serial self doubter! I have sewn for 6 years and design plenty of my own stuff but I think I could have 20 years of experience and never feel like it was enough! I am not one for competition though. You however should totally audition! Do it for all of us who dream Gertie! It would be great publicity for your book as well, just think about it!

I totally agree about project runway...bleh! Too much drama and not enough interesting clothing. On one hand, I'd LOVE to be able to watch you compete on the show and want you to try out! on the other hand, I agree with secondhandrose that you might just be too good for them! You've already got a lot going on. :)

Knitting is my portable project of choice ... finishing up a shawl for myself, then on to prayer shawls for church. Gotta knit, but don't need more sweaters or afghans myself! ;-)

Sewing-wise, I'm working on my long-delayed Lady Grey, in cranberry melton wool. Sleeves are assembled, side seams sewn, and I have some handsewing to do before I set the sleeves in and attack the lining. I have a lovely length of English houndstooth wool that will be another coat, eventually, and will give me another chance to use all the tailoring I've learned here. Thanks, Gertie!

I admit that I don't bring along crafting projects, except for the occasional embroidery. Instead, I bring pens and notebooks to write stories with.

I'm also working on a coat. With raglan sleeves and cuffs. Mine has more box pleats than yours, though. Which leads me to a question--if I pad stitched around the pleats as if they're fold lines like you showed us on the Lady Grey coat last year, will it just fall into the pleats?

I watched season nine, and I was unsurprised by who won. The wind was blowing that way, even though all her projects were half-assed. I hope she invests in sewing lessons. Honestly, I think she should have been eliminated early in the competition, but it was obvious that they were grading her work on a large curve. Becky was my favorite because she actually knew what she was doing!

I'd never try out. I'm not a designer. I'm a seamstress. I'm fantastic at taking existing patterns and altering them to get what I want, but I can't do it from scratch. I know very little about draping and pattern drafting, but a hell of a lot about garment construction. I'm still learning about fitting and working with fabrics other than knits, various kinds of woven cottons, wool, and the occasional satin. Let's just say that I know my limitations!

Gertie, you being on Project Runway is pretty much the only way I'll watch another season. I was so disappointed with the last two seasons, and I think Lifetime's really changed the show--the producers seem to have so much more control, and the judges to much less. Or the judges have just completely lost their minds. It all feels so contrived. And there's no way that someone should win who can't make a sleeve. Or pants.

Sad to hear all of the struggling with Peony. I can usually wear a Colette pattern without adjustment, but I guess I better make a muslin with this one.

I only check in on PR every once in a while now, mostly for the textile/fabric shopping porn :) I just can't stand the drama of reality TV, and I don't like watching Michaek Kors just be *mean* to aspiring designers. Plus, last season's winner just put me off the idea of it being a "design" contest.

As for what's in my sewing machine...nothing right now! I'll be getting ready to go to NYC for the Heather Ross sewing weekend next week (I'll be arriving a couple days early.) I'm still debating what project to bring, or ideas I want to work on. I just finished my first leather jacket and I want to buy more leather in NYC, so maybe I'll be playing around with that? That would be easier than schlepping my wool coat that I want to put some faux fur on to NYC! :)

Oh! And about fabric dyeing... I was an art major in college and I took a textiles class as one of my art electives. I fell in love with the indigo vat! We were using natural dyes in that class, along with various dyeing techniques, like batik and shibori (sp). It was fun! What I didn't like at the time was the fact that I was living at school and didn't have a sewing machine, and the pedal for my mom's had been misplaced in the last move, and we were expected to make something out of the fabric after we'd dyed it!

This was my first season of Project Runway (though I have put the first season in my Netflix queue). I seem to be in the minority as I thought that Anya had the most artistic talent of the four, even though I think Victor was the best designer). I think that both Anya and Josh should have been eliminated much, much earlier, but they didn't seem to be eliminating anyone based on the single presentation in front of them, like I was under the impression was the rule.

I am finishing up my daughter's Bombshell Dress for her Homecoming dance next weekend. Just have the lining to hand sew in and I am DONE! I must say again how much I loved this course, you are awesome! I am also sewing a difficult(for me) Vogue pattern for daughter's friend for same dance. She wanted a lace overlay,which isn't part of the pattern, it is coming out really well.

I was very disappointed with Project Runway this season. While I liked Anya as a person and yes, she is BEAUTIFUL! There is no way she should have won...Viktor had the best collection and it was sewn well. Anya just draped a bunch of pretty fabric. You should totally try out, I would love to see you on my favorite show!

My portable project tends to be unpicking seams. I try to use fabric from clothes picked up in charity shops rather than new fabrics and I love taking the stuff to pieces. Its what I do in the evenings when I watch tv too. At the moment I'm working on a skirt for my eldest daughter but I've just finished a couple of vintage style bags. I was so disappointed in this years Project Runway, it seemed to be geared towards Anya winning right the way through, not fair on the other designers at all.

I was never interested in PR. We don't even have it over here. I don't thin much of the entire idea. But anyhow ...I don't have anything under my sewing machine. It's broken and I can't afford to get it fixed at the moment ):I love knitting as a crafty take along project. Also some small hand-sewing stuff.I occasionally die my own fabric. Sometimes using things like onion and tea (skin-toned). I always just wing it. I can't even remember when I started though ;)

I have a lovely 6 hour flight to sunny Grenada tonight so between snoozing, I plan on banging out a few winter hats... When I come back I start my lovely lilac, fully lined "winter" cape...Big project for me as I've never worked with wool...:)

I was really disappointed in Project Runway this season. I realize it's not Project Seamstress, but being able to sew means being able to respond to client needs with something other than a blank stare.

But really, the biggest problem I had was that none of the clothing this season was really memorable, at least in a good way. The previous seasons had things that were real showstoppers, things I still remember and kind of want to make for myself. This season? Meh.

I've thought occasionally about auditioning, but then I remember that I value my sanity and would not do well in that kind of scenario.

I've been working on a mockup for my first pair of slacks this week. It's getting colder (yes, even here in southern California, lol) which tends to make my chronic illness worse, and I've gotten to the point that I don't have a single pair of real (non-pajama) pants that don't cause excruciating pain in my already painful joints. And I'm going on a trip at the end of the month, and should probably have some pants to wear, not just skirts, heh. The mockup is not going so well yet, but I knew I would have to tweak the fit to hell and back.

On fabric dying, I've been getting more into it the last year and a half or so. Summer 2010 I needed a purple plaid fabric for a costume I was making, I could not find a single one that I liked. And then I stumbled across a pink and baby blue plaid at JoAnn's of all places, and dyed the whole thing purple (using a combination of iDye and iDyePoly in my washing machine, which I highly recommend). It turned out really really amazing, two distinct shades of purple (one slightly more pink, one slightly more blue), and I've been hooked ever since, heh. I've dyed quilting cotton to make a sundress (seemed to improve the drape of the fabric, and provided me with the black with red polkadots I'd been lusting after), and recently dyed a whole collection of very different white fabrics to all more or less the same pink, for my first excursion into retro support wear. It's really amazing to be able to ignore the color of a fabric and completely customize it to suit you, along with fit and style.

On Project Runway, meh. I liked Anya quite a bit, but I think that next season PR needs to institute rules about not cutting models out of clothing, much like they aren't allowed to glue the clothing to the model. If you can't get in and out of a garment without damaging it, then it isn't really clothing, IMO. I also thought her collection was the most one-note of all four presented. She has a lot of potential, but I don't think she's nearly ready to make her own collection of *clothes*. I think Josh should have won, I really loved his collection. I hope he got a job offer from a major label right quick, at the very least.

And PR Season 10? You should do it! You've got the skills and the vision, and it would be awesome to see you on my TV every week. I'd love to see what you would do with some of those wacky challenges, hehe.

this weekend i'm making a muslin for panties, something that has been on my mind for years now! i have this dream of making my entire underwear collection myself out of beautiful silk and satin and lace :) i'd love to see you on project runway, even though it would take YEARS for it to be on german tv

@ElizabethB yes! the best outfit of the whole PR season was that outfit Victor made for the "regular" woman- turquoise top and gray/yellow skirt. amazing! the rest was whatever. Anya winning was so predictable. I did love Victor's prints that he made for the finale. Really great.

As for sewing, I'm finishing up a Colette Macaron (seems we're all sewing Colette patterns!) and a Sew Liberated Schoolhouse Tunic. Both samples for upcoming classes I'm teaching.

Actually, hmm, I wonder if it'd be worth suggesting to Lifetime that they do an all-blogger season of Project Runway -- only contestants who are currently blogging about their sewing and/or fashion hobbies. I think they could really inject some new life into the show by bringing in people who already have an established reader base and name online, and it would be interesting to see what bloggers (who usually have to fit in their designing and sewing around work and other obligations, and who are often already giving back to the community via tutorials and sewalongs) would do with short time frames and wacky rules.

The only problem I can see is that there probably wouldn't be nearly enough drama for Lifetime's tastes. All the sewing bloggers I follow seem to be such nice people, I can't imagine any of you fighting! Hehe.

Either way, Gertie, I think you should really consider auditioning. You met Tim Gunn, and he complimented what you were wearing! That has to count for something. ;)

I have a cardigan set and slacks cut out and waiting for some weekend sewing. Ponte knits are my new favorite for slacks for work! as for PR I agree boring I fell asleep most weeks and woke up and was over. Too much bickering instead of design and sewing it was like "Housewives of the Runway" instead of Project Runway this year for me. I am looking forward to the All Star show in January though...

To quote Bratling: I'd never try out. I'm not a designer. I'm a seamstress.

I've thought on and off about the whole PR thing. I think with dedicated training (Lots of practice slopers and altering for various body types. Lots of heavy time constraint practice and lots of sketching various ideas practice) I could pull it off. However, I don't really have any interest in being a designer. I like to sew as a hobby and I enjoy my "real" job. I can't imagine in good faith competing against people who really do want to be designers. It doesn't really seem right to take someone else's place who would want it way more than you.

But then again, I do think Laura Bennett did it just for fun and she's one of my all time favorite contestants.

Anya's designs were like poor copies of Uli's dresses. Uli was significantly better at the beach vibe.

Currently I'm on the last steps of an Oliver + S "Little Things to Sew" bias-trimmed apron. I took it on specifically as a practice piece for working with bias tape, and that goal has been a success :) I'm eager to finish that project up so I can move onto altering patterns to create some maternity shirts. It's absolutely depressing how few nice maternity clothes exist on the market.

In the past two seasons the judges and producers have seemed unduly biased from the beginning, I was generally unspiried by anything the entire season (like many others), and I'm tired of the drama (I want to see more creative process than arguments and break downs). I am now, officially, swearing off Project Runway entirely regardless of their promised "All Stars" season/series. However, if you make it onto the show, I will make an exception.

The nod I will give to Anya is that, unlike the other contestants, she has mastered the art of public speaking and selling her work.

Oh, yes - you should at least try out and see if they will select you. It would be so amazing to "know" someone on there and route for you. I thought Anya stayed pretty much above the "ick" you would be focused like that, I'm sure. There is a distinct difference between a sewist and a designer. I sew - but you rise to designer level!

I don't fly, so am clueless - but they still let you bring knitting needles on plane - but not nail clippers? Odd. Blessings,Patti

I don't know about reality shows... I've worked on a few (behind the scenes), and, from what I see, it can be a good idea if you "work it", or a bad one, depending on how things turn out, or what angle the show chooses to portray. Problem is, you don't control that, so it can be pretty scary. One reality show star did say to me that the enormous advantage of all of it, is that on a very popular show, you get publicity that even enormous amounts of money couldn't possibly buy. Lots to consider there...

Oh, please don't subject yourself to the ordeal and intensive scrutiny of PR 10! Those poor folk always look like Death eating a graham cracker by the end of the series. Am uncertain whether I will invest/waste any more of my life watching this show next season.

Vis a vis PR... I have to wonder at the judges' lack of consistency. They eliminated Kimberly because she "wasn't ready". Then they selected Anya, who CLEARLY isn't ready. I remember a few years back there was another contestant, Hildi... or something like that... who made clothes that looked just like Anya's (albeit, better constructed). She was eliminated for being too "one note". In the final analysis, it comes down to either the personality they think they can market, or they're simply racist.

You should definitely try out for PR! I don't watch (no cable and when I did I didn't get the channel) but I would totally find it online if you were on! If I didn't have a 9-5 job I would definitely consider trying out.

I actually enjoyed this season. I have heard a lot of complaints about Anya's lack of sewing, but I think it is about designing an aesthetic over just being able to sew. One of the previous contestants made a good point in saying:

"This is Project Runway, not Project Seamstress." I thought her ideas were fabulous, just needed major tweaks. Her level of skill at 4 months was incredible. Now with the right funds, she can improve her skills or just draft the sketches and designs and outsource the actual sewing like most of the other designers these days.

I am most excited about the PR All-Star season. Very cool. I would LOVE to see you on PR! I could tell everyone that "I know you", even though it is only through your blog. lol

Trying to knit more so that's what I do on train journeys! Unfortunatelly here in UK I can't take knitting needles on the plane.I'm taking a pattern making course so focusing on that instead of starting a new project. I have a cape to finish (originally intended to be worn with the Bombshell) and will soon start a wool flannel dress from vintage pattern. I'm dreding cutting into the wool :)

This was my first time watching PR, and I did enjoy it. Now I'm curious, though, to watch previous seasons.

One thing I was disappointed about was how often the judges based their decisions on how "expensive" something looked. Gold, camel, snakeskin--blah. So not my thing. And why do they get so huffy when a model is wearing sunglasses? Sheesh.

Viktor made some outfits that I seriously would want to wear myself. I think that takes talent. He was also the only one of the final four to have a set vision from the get-go with his designs. He was always confident in his decisions, never panicking and re-making things at the last minute. The others seemed to need more of Tim's opinion and heavy editing to help them out. Or, they'd size up the everyone else's garments and THEN come up with a beautiful design. Viktor has what it takes to make a name for himself.

I'm finishing my 5-y.o.'s school uniform jumpers this weekend. If I can wrap it up quickly, then I'm going to make some Bruda 8488 trousers.

Try out for Project Runway, okay? :) Even if you don't, you're still awesome and a big sewing star already.

I am new to sewing and I must say watching Anya win was kind of disappointing. I would like to think that if I were going to take on something so ambitious I would want a good amount of skill and experience under my belt so that I could really execute my vision. She boasted about having such a strong point of view when it seemed as though she was just kind of going with the flow and throwing things together. Where is the point of view in that? You know how to pick out pretty fabrics...good for you. ha.

I quit watching PR half way in because it got so boring to me! I think this was the worst season yet. It was actually kind of sad, I am usually so inspired by the show. I preferred when they mixed up all the judges-except Heidi of course. It has become more about the them. I also feel like, even thought they say they don't, they really just like and don't like people. You know what I mean? I think it would be pretty amazing if you were on Project Runway though.

I didn't watch Project Runway this season; I have all of them on DVR (not sure why) but I could safely get rid of them. I was so torqued by last season (even though I was one of the few who understood why Gretchen won -- although I didn't agree). I realized it was no longer about the artistry or even the fashion, but all about what sort of drama could be conjured up, and I quickly lost interest. The only way I'd watch it again would be if you were on, so if you do, make sure we know!

Let's see here. For portable projects I enjoy English smocking and hand embroidery. I've got a pair of jeans cut and ready to start. I also have a pinup inspired outfit for sew weekly to get started. Haven't watched project Runway in years and don't have the design skill to try out. If you ever did it I'd watch that season.

I don't always have a portable project, but I do often and it's always knitting. In fact, today I brought a sweater to work on at lunch. I'm sewing the shoulder seams together. Currently, the sleeves are drying on my sewing table so I'm probably not getting any sewing done in the next day or so.

It was so painful to watch "Project Runway" this season, but I watched every ep. I walked away with the re-validation of my decision not to pursue a career in the Arts. Art is subjective and financial success often boils down to personality and being in the exact right place at the exact right time with the exact right viewpoint. Fortunately, I know that I don't have the stamina to endure that lifestyle and am able to scratch my need to create and be inspired in my spare time.

As regards PR, it should be noted that they went from their original producers to Bunim-Murray, the people who brought us such drama-laden reality shows as MTV's The Real World. So it's no wonder that there was a ridiculous emphasis on characters and drama this season, rather than design and sewing ability. It was scripted from beginning to end and that made me sad. I'm looking forward to the PR All Stars show in 2012, since I know that at least half of the contestants will have some serious sewing chops.

This weekend I'm doing some sewing for my son, who is in desperate need of fall/winter clothing. I also have a baby quilt top that I need to construct, but that's easy stuff. And I have a project for me in line after that - Hot Patterns' Mighty Aphrodite draped t-shirt.

My take-along sewing is almost always quilting. This time it's a baby quilt for my brother and sister-in-law's new baby girl. It probably seems masochistic but I love doing hand quilting.

I always have knitting with me as a portable project! Currently it's one of a couple of sweaters that I have going, both from vintage patterns from the 40s.

As far as my sewing machine well, I have two things going... slowly. A fairly sheer white blouse with pintucks and French seams out the wazoo, and then a pair of trousers that haven't made it beyond the cutting out of the fabric, which I did weeks ago! And a vintage skirt to hem since it was too long on me, which will surely happen way sooner than other of the other projects. ;)

This weekend I'm planning on making Vogue 8616 in a blue sweater knit and Paco Peralta full circle skirt in denim blue jersey. Waiting on my Colette Clover pants pattern arriving in the post- that'll be for next weekend!Ruth

I'm going to go against the grain and say - Don't do it Gertie! Project Runway is a 'reality show' but as most people know, there's not that much reality to it. Even if you're the nicest person in the world, they can steal a look from when you got some fluff in your nose, and use it as a reaction shot for something, and next thing you know, it looks like you were making mean faces at people!

The other thing, and really a much bigger thing, is that the show is really not geared to people doing any of their best work. Think about never getting to really finish things nicely, or have any time to step back, or even go home to your own apartment at the end of the day! This year I found it highly annoying that all the obstacles the producers threw in to create drama, meant that the designers were off kilter from day one, and I don't believe ever produced the best stuff they could have.

I think you'd be fabulous on the show, but I don't know that it's the best use of your time or energy.

I say follow your heart but I will order cable if you get on but only for as long as you are on...but that should be until the bitter end when you are crowned winner and then hired by a Paris fashion house but refuse because you want to continue to connect with all your blog buddies!

My portable projects are always knitting. Usually socks or scarves. I dye fibre for spinning and yarn for knitting and I am going to dye some silk to use as a lining for a suit. I couldn't find a colour I liked. Dyeing was a natural progression from the knitting and spinning.

i've been dying cotton fabric and cotton and silk threads with procion dyes on and off for a while. I did a course at the Embroiderer's Guild and it was fun. To set the dye you can steam them the microwave.

I've used the fabrics for quilts and the cotton & silk threads for embroidery. it always gives me an extra sense of achievement when i've used my own dyed fabrics and threads. :)

Finishing up a fall leaf print skirt with piped waist and pocket details. Sadly I need a zipper and buttons to truly finish and my Dear Husband has to work/has the car. Yes, I could take the kids out to the fabric market but I am not sure I am up to that. (Fabric shopping in Seoul is NOTHING like it is in the States!) k.

When Project Runway didn't advance Louise Black any further than they did, a few seasons back, I lost interest. The show is not all that it should or could be, seems to be more about fashion politics and less about real talent, soul suckers. Don't sell out, you'll do fine on your own, and on your own terms. Here's some of Louise's gorgeous work:

I felt the results of Project Runway were well-deserved, I agreed that she had a clear vision and that I could see her with a handbag, jewelry, and shoe line in the future. Perhaps she wasn't the most advanced in sewing in and of itself, but for how long she'd been doing it... DAYUM!

After two failed attempts at making a corset (2 corsets, TOO small), and just finishing up a purple satin wiggle dress that KICKED MY BUTT...I am looking for an EASY sewing project for next week - ha! Oh, but I have been meaning to tell you that I finished my first circle skirt with a horsehair braid hem, last week, and I LOVE IT! Thank you so much for teaching me about the magic of horsehair braid :-)

I think you should audition for PR. I'd love to hear all about something like that from a person with your writing skills! I could never audition myself for it. I don't have the sewing skills or the creativity plus I'm totally self taught and know nothing of design. But it would appear you have the right stuff.

I never comment Gertie, although I have been reading your blog since a few months after you launched it, but today, when I read about you thinking about joining Project Runway, I couldn't help but pitch in my two cents worth to tell you Go for it!

I hope they don't disqualify you for being a "celebrity" already because of the popular blog and the book and the tv segments. If you do get on the show Lifetime should probably pay you some kind of royalty because there will be a surge in viewership from your loyal followers alone.

Yes, you do have cult following with a very wide reach (I'm from the Philippines, for example.)But then again, maybe one comment(er) was right, you're too good for Project Runway. I'm ambivalent because I also think the stuff you're made of is great for the show. Remember when readers worried about you not having any sleep when you still had your day job? You have been trained for that kind of pressure, I think :)

Anyhoo, I would love to see you there, live in action and if you really think this is a challenge that would inspire you even more then, I say it again, Go for it girl!

I watched PR9 and was not impressed. The challenges were dumb/lame and the designers turned out uninspired clothes. The only one I really liked was Bert. TLo said there was lots of producer manipulation this yr and I believe it. It was all about drama and crying on cue. After Mondo lost last yr I said I wouldn't watch, then did, but I think this season is the one that lost me. I haven't watched PR accessories and reading TLo's recaps, I'm glad. But I am looking forward to PR All Stars and seeing some old favorites. I hope it doesn't disappoint.

As far as sewing, I have a Kindle cover cut out (Indygo Junction pattern, christmas present) and fabric waiting in the wings for a few fall tops. I'm hoping to get them cut out this weekend.

PS..as much as I would love to see you on PR, don't do it. It's not about designing and fashion any more. It's a game show about stories and making drama where there isn't any. The judges critiques were lame & all over the place this yr. And every time Anya had a bad dress or was having a meltdown, the producers stepped in and either added to the challenge or threw more money at them to help her out. I think you would be stooping to their level and you're way above that.

I'm currently in design school, and I have discovered that I can totally weird my classmates out just by saying I'd rather be on The Amazing Race than Project Runway, because I really don't want my own clothing line, but a million dollars would be great to set me up for small-scale art and design work.

It's now Sunday - and I'm off to the gym to get those extra kilos off - so that I won't have to do 'fat-tummy' alterations on my sewing (and I hate those SO much - that it actually keeps me from sewing for myself!!!!)

Well, it's already sunday and I haven't done much crafting this weekend. But I'm planning to make a hat out of sequined felt. And I really should get working on those x-mas gifts... But first I'll surf around the interwebs a bit more :)

Funnily enough I have been dyeing fabric today! I bought 3 metres of a apricot fabric online but when it arrived it wasn't really the colour I was going for, so I thought why not try dye? I used a pre-dye and then a dark purple and now it is a pretty plummy colour. The only thing is, it is darker around the edge of the fabric. This actually looks quite pretty but wasn't something I was planning on.

for sewing projects I am currently getting used to a new machine and serger practicing with mending but looking top make some yoked peasant tops . Current quests include looking for comfortable patterns for tops to fit my 1X frame that do not bind at the shoulders when sewing and working . as well as going crazy trying to find a pattern for a 1920's or 30s style collar ( I had a coat years ago with the most wonderful sort of standing wrap collar , very elegant and super warm . it came up high in the back and was almost shaped like a shawl collar but much higher and tons of Volume . I can not even find what the collar was called .)

Having just watched "Behind the Seams" with Tim Gunn, forget all the negatives about the show - you have to try out just for the opportunity to work under Tim Gunn! Wouldn't that be amazing and so worth it? Blessings,Patti

I wasn't too happy with Anya winning. I thought Victor was much better. Don't get me wrong, I liked Anya well enough but I didn't think it was fair that she was sewing her models into the dresses right before runway. Not any tailoring or skill. BUT, great taste. Then again, just how many maxi dresses can you make??

I have watched PR from the beginning and was very disappointed this season. I am however looking forward to the All-Star Season coming up next year. I know what these contestants can do and how catty some of them can be. It would be nice to see less group challenges. There were way too many this season. You should try out.

I haven't started yet, but I plan on sewing a flannel slip. Why are they impossible to find? Probably because most people don't wear slips. I adore slips. Add to that my hard to fit bust size and I'm left to my own devices.

Does anyone know the amount of sway held by the TV Network on who wins PR? Maybe it was the results and performance for this season that had me suspicious, but I did see a flash of small print in a very early season with something about the Network being involved in decisions. Anyway there might be a motivation to select a female after all the male winners, for example?

I've been lurking for a while now and am posting to say please audition! I've never finished a whole season (4little kids) but I would happily TiVo for you! I'm learning so much here, and hoping that by the time I get back to sewing for myself, I'll emerge better at it just from studying your posts and the often fabulous comments from your readers.

I missed most of this season of PR, but I read the David Dust recaps. But I would love to see you on the show! Except if the producers are driving the drama and selecting the winners, it might be a waste of your time.

Hi, Gertie! This is a bit late, but here is my two cents: Don't do it. I have been an avid watcher of PR since season 1. In the early seasons, the talent was amazing! Jay mc carrol was sooo creative, Chloe Dao was a tailoring genious, and Jeffrey Sebellia had edgy style that blew me away! The past few years have been boring. It is no longer about talent. Perhaps there is a reason why they aren't attracting big talent anymore. I would look into the rules reguarding PR's control over your line and your career after you compete. I remember Jay MCarroll turning down the prize after he won because of the fine print that gave the production company a cut of his business for the rest of his career. There also may be conflicts with your publishing company. I don't know how far reaching the PR producers would be in claiming royalties and/or control in your fashion related endeavers. Something to look into. Best of luck!

choneI'd be afraid to go on PR. The first time some prima donna designer disrespected me, I'd have to make him/her cry. I'm evil that way.I've been very disappointed in the last 2 seasons of PR. And I seriously wish they'd do an episode or two of hip fashions for us over 50 women.

It is a bit late, but here is my short comment: PR was... an okay season. I personally think Victor should have won, because of his craftsmanship, his style and vision. And he let his work speak, he did not feel the need to bully people like others in the team (Joshua, AnthonyR). You, dear Gertie, should apply, you certainly have the skills and I would love to see you on TV. You seem to have a lot of positive energy and this would transfer great on TV (I know, I know - but hey, you want to get to the finale, right?). That is why you need to prepare: prepare your own collection, do you have a vision what you would be as a designer? What are your strengths? Can you sketch in 30 minutes? Do you have guts? Anya did not have great skills, but she had GUTS/chutzpa, fantastic taste, and she was very likeable- I am afraid this is why she won. Honestly, I am a fan of your blog - I would love to see you on PR.

I'm late to the party but want to join in -- only because I think you are so fabulous and so talented. Don't go on Project Runway! This last season seemed to me to be obviously rigged in favor of the winner (notice how those last-minute twists always saved her? wonder why they let all four continue to Fashion Week when one of them made a particularly abysmal showing for that next-to-last, show-a-3-piece-mini-collection runway event?). I think you are way, way too good for this show--promote your book and your career in a way that's truer to who you are. Honestly, you should have your own TV show!

I'm amazed at the amount of people against Anya here. After Mondo's lost last season, I was scared it would happen again but I think Anya rightly won. Let's take all the designers, any of the people reading this blog in fact, take them back to only four months of sewing experience. Then let's shove them onto Project Runway, a high stress situation to say the least. She's not the greatest seamstress but that's not the point of the show. She has a huge amount of talent and given time, she probably would have won any season she entered. She just entered very early.

Girl, you should absolutely, definitely, 110% apply for Project Runway. Reading through your posts again it was all I kept thinking. And then I saw this post where you actually mention it and I had to speak up.